Princess Leonor of Spain has achieved a significant milestone in her military training by successfully piloting an F5 fighter jet at the Talavera la Real Air Base in Badajoz. The 20-year-old heir to the Spanish throne flew the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter under the supervision of an instructor on April 22, as part of her training at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier.
A video captured last month showed Leonor smiling and giving a thumbs-up to onlookers from the cockpit before takeoff. After landing, she disembarked gracefully, shook hands with instructors, and posed for photographs with fellow students. The princess is currently in the final stages of her three-year military training, which began in 2023 and includes stints with the army, navy, and air force, preparing her for her future role as Commander in Chief of the armed forces.
Royal Family Support and Future Plans
Leonor's mother, Queen Letizia, and her younger sister, Princess Sofia, have been supportive throughout her training. Last July, Leonor received the Grand Cross of Naval Merit from her father, King Felipe, at the Naval Military Academy in Marín, Pontevedra, acknowledging her dedication to Spain's armed forces. Later this year, she will begin a four-year degree in Political Science at Carlos III University of Madrid, studying humanities, economics, sociology, history, and international relations.
Training Journey
Leonor started her aeronautical training after arriving in San Javier last September. In a message written in the Academy's Book of Honour, she expressed enthusiasm for beginning the third stage of her military training and learning the practical and theoretical aspects of military aviation. After completing the course, she will hold the rank of ensign in the Spanish army and air force, as well as midshipman in the navy.
Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, Leonor has trained with all three armed services. She previously completed a year at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza and six months aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The princess also graduated from UWC Atlantic College in Wales before starting her military training.
Public Appearances and Emotional Reunion
Leonor debuted her Air Force uniform during Spanish National Day celebrations last October, increasing her public profile. She also made her first official visit to the parliament building in Navarra one month prior. In May 2023, she shared an emotional reunion with her mother, Queen Letizia, at the Port of Fuerte Amador in Panama City after completing a navy training course around the world. Video footage showed Leonor running across the port to embrace her mother, with the Queen visibly moved.
